What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to evaluate how self-assessed intrinsic capacity can identify clinically at-risk older adults.

May 8, 2026

Screening high-risk older adults using self-assessed intrinsic capacity: evidence from real-world ICOPE implementation

Puntos clave

This study aims to evaluate how self-assessed intrinsic capacity can identify clinically at-risk older adults.
Community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 completed ICOPE Step 1 self-assessments using digital tools.
Intrinsic capacity was measured with WHO Step 1 IC scores and visual analogue scale-based IC scores.
Data were analyzed over a period from January 2020 to January 2025 with 6337 participants enrolled.
Over 2.5% (161 participants) moved to Steps 2-3 of ICOPE within one year, with 41.0% having baseline IC ≤ the 25th percentile.
Lower IC percentiles were associated with poor nutritional status and self-rated health.
Two-thirds of participants with follow-up data switched IC percentile groups, mostly toward the nearest higher or lower group.

Resumen

BACKGROUND: A basic assessment of intrinsic capacity (IC) deficits in the WHO Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) care pathway can be conducted by health and care workers and through self-assessment. This study described the flow of older individuals undertaking ICOPE Step 1 self-assessment through Steps 2 and 3 and examined whether age- and sex-specific normative IC values, previously established from professional evaluations, could identify people at risk of clinical events. METHODS: Community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 from real-world ICOPE implementation who completed Step 1 self-assessments using digital tools were enrolled. IC was calculated using two methods-'WHO Step 1 IC score' and 'visual analogue scale (VAS)-based IC score'-and percentiles were assigned based on IC norms. RESULTS: Between 1 January 2020 and 21 January 2025, 6337 participants (median age 68 64-73 years; 55.4% women) underwent Step 1 self-assessment. Their distribution of IC percentile groups, determined by both IC score methods, matched the expected ranges. Within 1 year, 161 participants (2.5% of 6337) proceeded to Steps 2-3, of whom 41.0% had baseline IC ≤ the 25th percentile. Having lower IC percentiles at Step 1 was associated with poor nutritional status and self-rated health. Most Step 3 referrals were for cognitive stimulation exercises and lifestyle advice. Among participants with follow-up data, two-thirds switched percentile groups, mostly moving to the nearest higher or lower group. CONCLUSION: Older adults with self-evaluated IC ≤ the 25th percentile tended to require in-depth assessments and care management, supporting the use of IC norms to guide subsequent care.

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